John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Question 78: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason the latest report from the Health Research Board on the health effects of living near incinerators or landfills relied on a review of literature and was not based on original research conducted here; his views on whether such research based on evidence here will be conducted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20938/05]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 125: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason it took more than two years to publish his response to the Health Research Board study of the health effects of landfill and incineration, which was eventually published on 7 June 2005; if he will report on the Government's proposals for incinerators and landfill sites, in view of the Health Research Board study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22225/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 78 and 125 together.

The Health Research Board report was commissioned as a literature review which is a recognised research tool. This is particularly so where original research is precluded, as in this case by the absence in Ireland of facilities for the thermal treatment of municipal waste.

My response to the report was put on hold to allow regard to be had to other and more recent research findings in detailed consultation with the Department of Health and Children and the Environmental Protection Agency. Specifically, close regard was had to a UK Government report on a review of environmental and health effects of waste Management, 2004, which extended the analysis to the impact of facilities based on the latest thermal treatment and landfill technologies, and to a discussion paper prepared by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. Taken together, I am advised that the reports show that modern, properly regulated waste disposal facilities do not present a threat to human health or the environment.